Rain forecast for Brisbane, Sydney on election day

Aussies heading to polling booths in two major cities are being urged to pack their umbrellas as the election day forecast is revealed.

Rain, hail or shine – democracy must go ahead. This year, voters are encouraged to pack their umbrellas as they head to the polls.

Some states along the east coast are expected to see showers, while most of Australia is in for a fairly settled, calm and sunny forecast for election day.

Temperatures are expected to reach numbers “quite a long way above average” for this time of the year in the south of the country, the Bureau of Meteorology’s Angus Hines said.

“If you are spending a bit of time in the queue for the polls, there are few spots where the umbrella or the rain jacket would probably be advised, starting along the east coast,” he said.

“All of those places have had quite a chilly morning this morning but as soon as that sun gets into work, the temperature will be warming up and I expect it to be actually several degrees above average across the southeastern capitals for the day today as well.”

Temperatures are expected to reach numbers “quite a long way above average” for this time of the year in the south of the country. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Sydneysiders are expected to have a pleasant day ahead with a top of 23C, partly cloudy and light winds and a 30 per cent chance of showers.

Mr Hines said the southern half of NSW and the ACT could expect temperatures five or six degrees above average, with those warmer conditions to continue into Sunday.

Canberra meanwhile had an icy start to the morning sitting at 2C, but is expected to reach a top of 20C with little chance of rain.

It is a similar outlook for those in Melbourne, where temperatures are tipped to peak at 22C with a 5 per cent chance of rain.

Voters in Brisbane could battle wetter conditions, with a maximum of 24C and 50 per cent chance of showers forecast for the Sunshine State capital.

Showers are anticipated across most parts of eastern Queensland, with showers rolling into the capital later in the day.

Those heading to the polls in Brisbane and Perth are in for a chance of showers. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Adelaideans can expect pleasant conditions at polling booths with an expected top of 25C and mostly sunny day.

The country’s centre is reaching the tail end of its wet season, with Darwin likely to reach a top of 33C with a chance of showers in the evening on Saturday.

Forecasts suggest a mostly sunny day for Hobart with a top of 19C.

“ (It’s) a bit of a different story in the west, as there is a cold front which is just about to make its way onto the south of the country at the moment,” Mr Hines said.

“It’s already brought a moderate amount of rainfall to the very far south of Western Australia, and over the next few hours is likely to bring some cool gusty winds in a few showers towards Perth,” Mr Hines said.

Rainfall totals below 10mm and a top of 22C are expected in Perth.

Originally published as Rain forecast for Brisbane, Sydney on election day